Your vessel is drifting with the wind broad on the port beam. The marconi sail is set and flapping free. As you sheet in the maximum drive is attained when the sail __________.

Correct Answer: Option C — first takes the shape of an airfoil

Maximum drive in a Marconi sail is achieved when laminar flow is established, which occurs precisely when the sail first takes the aerodynamic shape of an airfoil, creating pressure differentials across its surfaces.